The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League has entered the knockout phase. These are two-legged ties in which the winners advance to the Round of 16 and the losers are eliminated.
With away goals no longer serving as a tiebreaker, aggregate score decides the outcome, with extra time and penalties if necessary.
As first legs, Matchday 9 fixtures carry added tactical weight.
Teams will prioritize strong results — ideally a win or a clean sheet — before the return leg.
Upsets remain possible in knockout football, which makes squad selection even more crucial for UCL Fantasy managers looking to gain an early edge.
Below are our top player picks for UCL Fantasy MD9.
Goalkeeper
Nick Pope (£5.1m) vs Qarabag
With 40 UCL fantasy points so far, Pope remains a dependable option. Known for his positioning and reflexes, he consistently delivers in high-pressure European matches.
His save percentage and command of the box strengthen his appeal heading into this first leg.
Defenders
Alejandro Grimaldo vs Olympiacos Piraeus
Grimaldo has scored four goals and accumulated 40 fantasy points — outstanding production for a defender.
His attacking presence from the left flank, combined with strong crossing and creative passing, adds significant upside. He also carries set-piece and free-kick threat thanks to his precise left foot.
Federico Dimarco vs Bodo/Glimt
Dimarco operates as an aggressive outlet in Inter’s system, often functioning like a wide midfielder while maintaining defensive responsibilities. His pace, crossing, and goal contributions enhance his value for fantasy managers seeking attacking returns from defense.
Malick Thiaw vs Qarabag
With approximately 37 fantasy points this season, Thiaw offers physicality and aerial strength at center-back. His ability in defensive duels and set-piece situations increases both clean-sheet and bonus potential, while his composure supports build-up play from the back.
Marcos Llorente vs Club Brugge KV
Llorente demonstrated his fantasy upside with a double-goal performance that delivered double-digit points. Across six games, he has scored three goals and accumulated 27 fantasy points. His tendency to arrive late in the box or strike from distance gives him explosive matchday potential.
Midfielders
Anthony Gordon vs Qarabag
Gordon brings high attacking volume, regularly taking shots and creating danger from wide and central areas. He has been especially productive in Europe, registering 52 fantasy points, six goals, and two assists. His big-stage output makes him a standout midfield option.
Nicolò Barella vs Bodo/Glimt
While not a major goal or assist contributor in this campaign, Barella’s value lies in consistent minutes and involvement in buildup and transition phases. His passing and defensive contributions make him a reliable presence in Inter’s midfield engine room.
Robert Andrich vs Olympiacos
Andrich anchors midfield with defensive discipline and ball recovery. In the 2025/26 UCL campaign, he has maintained a passing accuracy of around 90.8%, ensuring steady distribution. His attacking output is limited, but he provides tactical stability and dependable minutes.
Forwards
Lautaro Martínez vs Bodo/Glimt
Lautaro remains Inter’s primary goal threat and a high-upside fantasy forward. His tenacity, clinical finishing, and leadership make him central to Inter’s attack, particularly in matches where he dominates chances.
Julián Álvarez vs Club Brugge KV
Álvarez has featured in every UCL match this season, logging strong minutes and averaging roughly half a goal contribution per game. His combined goals and assists profile makes him a dependable forward option rather than one reliant solely on scoring.
Patrik Schick vs Olympiacos Piraeus
Schick is known for his aerial presence, intelligent movement, and finishing ability. In this season’s Champions League campaign, he has recorded two goals and one assist, contributing as a forward option off the bench and offering scoring threat when called upon.